California's CIF high school boys basketball playoff updated results and schedules for the state's top teams
California's CIF high school boys basketball playoff updated results and schedules for the state's top teams originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
California's CIF playoffs are under way from Northern California to Southern California, and most of the state's top-ranked teams will be in action again this week.
In the north, the Top 50 Archbishop Riordan [San Francisco, CA] Crusaders take on the King's Academy [Sunnyvale, CA] Knights on Monday evneing in the Central Coast Section's Open Division. They'll wrap up pool play on Wednesday, February 25, against the Bellarmine College Prep [San Jose, CA] Bells. The Central Coast's semifinals and finals will then take place later this week with the winner advancing to the Open Division state championships.
Also on Wednesday in Northern California, the Top 50 Salesian College Prep [Richmond, CA] Pride will return to action after a long layoff to take on the De La Salle [Concord, CA] Spartans in the North Coast Open Division semifinals.
Down in Southern California, it's still the Southern Section's Open Division in the spotlight. The four remaining teams are paired for Tuesday night's semifinals which will feature the highest-ranked team in the Golden State – the No. 9 Sierra Canyon [Chatsworth, CA] Trailblazers – against the Top 50 Notre Dame SO [Sherman Oaks, CA] Knights while the fellow Top 50 Harvard-Westlake [Studio City, CA] Wolverines will meet the La Mirada [CA] Matadores.
Finally, the Top 50 St. Joseph [Santa Maria, CA] Knights will face off against the Buchanan [Clovis, CA] Bears for the Central Section Division I championship on Saturday evening.
- Check out the official CIF Central Coast Section Open Division bracket
- Check out the official CIF Central Section Division I bracket
- Check out the official CIF North Coast Open Division bracket
- Check out the official CIF Southern Section Open Division bracket
California's CIF national Top 50 schedule
Monday, February 23, 2026
CIF CENTRAL COAST SECTION OPEN DIVISION POOL PLAY
- Top 50 Archbishop Riordan [San Francisco, CA] Crusaders vs. King's Academy [Sunnyvale, CA] Knights
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
CIF SOUTHERN SECTION SEMIFINALS
- No. 9 Sierra Canyon [Chatsworth, CA] Trailblazers vs. Top 50 Notre Dame SO [Sherman Oaks, CA] Knights
- Top 50 Harvard-Westlake [Studio City, CA] Wolverines vs. La Mirada [CA] Matadores
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
CIF CENTRAL COAST SECTION OPEN DIVISION POOL PLAY
- Top 50 Archbishop Riordan [San Francisco, CA] Crusaders vs. Bellarmine College Prep [San Jose, CA] Bells
CIF NORTH COAST SECTION OPEN DIVISION SEMIFINALS
- Top 50 Salesian College Prep [Richmond, CA] Pride vs. De La Salle [Concord, CA] Spartans
Saturday, February 28, 2026
CIF CENTRAL SECTION DIVISION I FINALS
- Top 50 St. Joseph [Santa Maria, CA] Knights vs. Buchanan [Clovis, CA] Bears
CIF SOUTHERN SECTION OPEN DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP
- Sierra Canyon/Notre Dame SO winner vs. Harvard-Westlake/La Mirada winner
CIF national Top 50 playoff results
CIF CENTRAL SECTION DIVISION I SEMIFINALS
Thursday, February 19, 2026
- Top 50 St. Joseph [Santa Maria, CA] Knights 67, Bakersfield [CA] Christian Eagles 57
CIF CENTRAL COAST SECTION OPEN DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIPS
Friday, February 20, 2026
- Top 50 Archbishop Riordan [San Francisco, CA] Crusaders 80, Junipero Serra [San Mateo, CA] Padres 61
CIF SOUTHERN SECTION OPEN DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIPS
Quarterfinals
Friday, February 20, 2026
- No. 9 Sierra Canyon [Chatsworth, CA] Trailblazers 70, Top 50 Santa Margarita [Rancho Santa Margarita, CA] Eagles 47
- Top 50 Harvard-Westlake [Studio City, CA] Wolverines 49, Crespi [Encino, CA] Celts 46
- La Mirada [CA] Matadores 73, Top 50 Redondo Union [Redondo Beach, CA] Sea Hawks 70
- Top 50 Notre Dame SO [Sherman Oaks, CA] Knights 59, Centennial [Corona, CA] Huskies 56
Wednesday, February 11-17, 2026
Pool Play
Pool A
Sierra Canyon wins Pool A, Crespi finishes second
- Sierra Canyon [Chatsworth, CA] Trailblazers 71, Crespi [Encino, CA] Celts 54
- Crespi [Encino, CA] Celts 82, Corona del Mar [Newport Beach, CA] Sea Kings 70
- Sierra Canyon [Chatsworth, CA] Trailblazers 95, Corona del Mar [Newport Beach, CA] Sea Kings 65
Pool B
Harvard-Westlake wins Pool B, Santa Margarita finishes second
- Santa Margarita [Rancho Santa Margarita, CA] Eagles 81, Damien [La Verne, CA] Spartans 71
- Harvard-Westlake [Studio City, CA] Wolverines 67, Damien [La Verne, CA] Spartans 62
- Harvard-Westlake [Studio City, CA] Wolverines 83, Santa Margarita [Rancho Santa Margarita, CA] Eagles vs. 62
Pool C
Redondo Union wins Pool C, Centennial finishes second
Results
- Redondo Union [Redondo Beach, CA] Sea Hawks 74, Etiwanda [CA] Eagles 31
- Centennial [Corona, CA] Huskies 74, Etiwanda [CA] Eagles 48
- Redondo Union [Redondo Beach, CA] Sea Hawks 69, Centennial [Corona, CA] Huskies 57
Pool D
Notre Dame SO wins Pool D, La Mirada finishes second
Results
- Notre Dame SO [Sherman Oaks, CA] Knights 76, La Mirada [CA] Matadores 60
- La Mirada [CA] Matadores 56, St. John Bosco [Bellflower, CA] Braves 53
- Notre Dame SO [Sherman Oaks, CA] Knights 69, St. John Bosco [Bellflower, CA] Braves 60
STREAM: Watch California's CIF boys basketball playoffs on the NFHS Network
Key dates and information for California's CIF Top 50 boys basketball teams
No. 9 Sierra Canyon [Chatsworth, CA] Trailblazers
- 2025-26 record: 25-1
- Next game: Tuesday, February 24 vs. Notre Dame SO [Sherman Oaks, CA] Knights
Top 50 Archbishop Riordan [San Francisco, CA] Crusaders
- 2025-26 record: 23-1
- Next game: Monday, February 23 vs. King's Academy [Sunnyvale, CA] Knights
Top 50 Harvard-Westlake [Studio City, CA] Wolverines
- 2025-26 record: 25-5
- Next game: Tuesday, February 24 vs. La Mirada [CA] Matadores
Top 50 Notre Dame SO [Sherman Oaks, CA] Knights
- 2025-26 record: 22-6
- Next game: Tuesday, February 24 vs. Sierra Canyon [Chatsworth, CA] Trailblazers
Top 50 Redondo Union [Redondo Beach, CA] Sea Hawks
- 2025-26 record: 27-4
- Next game: TBD
Top 50 Salesian College Prep [Richmond, CA] Pride
- 2025-26 record: 25-3
- Next game: Wednesday, February 25 vs. De La Salle [Concord, CA] Spartans
Top 50 Santa Margarita [Rancho Santa Margarita, CA] Eagles
- 2025-26 record: 27-5
- Next game: TBD
Top 50 St. Joseph [Santa Maria, CA] Knights
- 2025-26 record: 29-2
- Next game: Saturday, February 28 vs. Buchanan [Clovis, CA] Bears
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Dayot Upamecano explains what his most emotional moment at Bayern Munich has been
When a player officially signs a new contract, it is standard that they get furiously interviewed now that they can freely talk about this news. This is exactly what happened to Dayot Upamecano following his official renewal with Bayern Munich until 2030, as he held an interview with Sky Germany. Among the many topics covered in this interview were his thoughts on the contract extension, Manuel Neuer, Vincent Kompany and more.
But there was a moment of sentimentality and nostalgia for Upamecano, too. Asked by Sky Sports what his most emotional moment at Bayern has been so far, the Frenchman was given the chance to think of a very special moment. But he went for a very standard answer instead.
“My first title with FC Bayern [in 2022] was very special,” the 2022 World Cup finalist said, as captured by @iMiaSanMia. “It was my first Bundesliga title and I hope that many more will follow in the future.”
First times are special, one supposes. Here is to hoping Upamecano will manage to one up this moment multiple times in his remaining years at Bayern.
Social media reacts to UNC's massive win over Louisville Monday night
Monday night was WAY too close. The North Carolina Tar Heels appeared well on their way to a convincing, ranked victory over Louisville, but that all changed in the final minute.
UNC led by 16 just 6:22 into the second half, but watched its advantage shrink to three with 51 seconds remaining. Just as North Carolina did most of the night, defense came through with another huge stop.
Henri Veesaar lifted his hands straight up, forcing Louisville star freshman Mikel Brown Jr. to miss a layup. Seth Trimble and Derek Dixon made free throws down the stretch, the Tar Heels survived a late Brown three and won 77-74.
UNC (22-6, 10-5 ACC) held a stellar-shooting Cardinals (20-8, 9-6 ACC) to 39 percent overall from the field, including a 36% mark from deep, surviving a pair of 20-point nights from Brown (24 points) and Ryan Conwell (23).
Playing their fourth-straight game without their own freshman superstar, Caleb Wilson, the Tar Heels needed someone to lead their offensive charge. Why not Trimble?
The senior captain, enjoying his best collegiate season in Year Four, netted a career-high 30 points. Trimble nailed 11 of his 16 shots from the field (68.8 percent), plus he hit a North Carolina-best seven free throws. Henri Veesaar and Luka Bogavac joined Trimble in double-figures, each adding 12 points. UNC drained 54% of its shots, continuously keeping the Louisville defense on its toes.
The Tar Heels now own a tiebreaker with Clemson for fifth place in the conference – and can climb into the Top 4 by winning out. Let's take a look at social media reactions from tonight's massive win.
Seth Trimble's career night leads the way
SETH TRIMBLE pic.twitter.com/obWX7oSO7q
— Great Day Tar Heel (@GreatDayTarHeel) February 24, 2026
Seth Trimble. That’s the tweet!
— Amy Can’t Cook (@amynoelle24) February 24, 2026
Seth Trimble deserves nothing but flowers from Carolina fans. The way he stuck with Carolina when it was advantageous for him to transfer elsewhere….now he’s shining. He’s GOAT’d.
— antideprussy (@knuckifubuck5) February 24, 2026
SETH TRIMBLE
— in trevor i trust (@tealbeagle904) February 24, 2026
Oh look it's Seth Trimble pic.twitter.com/jHGHgiugii
— Brendan Marks (@BrendanRMarks) February 24, 2026
30 BALLLLLLLL SETH TRIMBLE. HEELS WIN.
— Ev 📸 (@EvannMcClintock) February 24, 2026
Seth: HUGE win for UNC tonight without Caleb Wilson. Seth Trimble is HIM! He deserves all of this. On to the next one! #GDTBATH
— The Ram and The Relic (@RamRelic) February 24, 2026
The Tar Heels showed PLENTY of fight!
Things got dicey there at the end, but what a gutsy performance from the Tar Heels. They got punched early and fought back- and they controlled the game for much of the 2nd half.
— Andrew Forrest (@Andrew_Forrest1) February 24, 2026
I didn’t like this matchup WITH a healthy Caleb Wilson because of Louisville’s guard play, so…
Tonight's hero is none other than Seth Trimble
Not all heroes wear capes pic.twitter.com/isKLZP2rZb
— Daggum Hubert (@DaggumHube) February 24, 2026
UNC is playing good basketball, event without its freshman superstar
UNC is 3-1 without Caleb Wilson. One of the wins came without Henri Veesaar.
— Sherrell D. McMillan (@RellDMC) February 24, 2026
Impressive.
Plenty to love about tonight's victory!
Massive win for the Heels exceeding expectations without Caleb
— NonStopCarolina🐏 (@NonStopCarolina) February 24, 2026
16-0 at home, another win over a ranked team
Luka stepped up big, good games from Kyan
30 Ball from Seth Trimble
Heels host VT Saturday pic.twitter.com/phAipRNvtP
It's a GREAT day for a...
HEELS HANG ON! CAROLINA VICTORY!
— UNC Tar Heels (@GoHeels) February 24, 2026
The lack of free-throw success is still concerning
Make your damn free throws and this is over.
— Mat (@raylanfoster) February 24, 2026
Send a thank you card to Seth Trimble!
Thank you for ballin’ out today, Seth!!! #GoHEELSpic.twitter.com/Bdrnr2ki7e
— Black & Blue Stew (@go_heels) February 24, 2026
Next time, just keep the pedal down!
And has been the case for a good while, slowing the game down when ahead gets the offense stuck in neutral….and as I said on IC Daily, free throws will bite them in the rear eventually.
— Tommy Ashley (@TAshleyIC) February 24, 2026
Makes no sense to stop doing what’s successful and it’s happened for quite some time.
Seth Trimble did something no Tar Heel has since RJ Davis...
Seth Trimble vs Louisville:
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) February 24, 2026
First UNC player with 30+ PTS since RJ Davis
30 PTS | 11-16 FG | 4 AST pic.twitter.com/zfE89WmHsR
A huge win to remain perfect in Chapel Hill!
That’s a huge win at home for the Heels
— Ian Ebert (@HeelToTheDome) February 24, 2026
General Wilson crediting Seth Trimble for the big win!
Dearest Mother,
— General Caleb S. Wilson (@general_caleb_w) February 24, 2026
Led by Cpt. Seth’s high flying attack, the Tar Heel militia remains unbeaten on home soil! Seth had the Cardinal infantry Trimble-ing. My heart was overjoyed to see the townsfolk raise striped banners in support of the regiment.
Yours,
General Wilson
Great win without Caleb Wilson
Made it harder than it needed to be late, but that was a good win for still Caleb Wilson-less #UNC.
— Jacob Turner (@JacobTurnerNC) February 24, 2026
Seth was immense, but a lot of guys contributed. Henri + Luka were efficient, Zayden really brought the energy off the bench, Derek + Jarin chipped in, too.
16-0 at home now. 👀
There's 365 teams in Division I...
299th in D1 free throw shooting.
— Vαℓαrie ♛ (@LeeenaBellle87) February 24, 2026
I am utterly and completely ashamed. 😮💨🤣
BIG excitement...but free throws still a concern
HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN HEELS WIN
— Jon Robinson (@jonrob11011965) February 24, 2026
*** SETH with the 30 piece!
*** Bending but not breaking, coming through under pressure
*** Luka playing with the confidence needed
*** But…
FREE THROWS😡😡😡😡
THEY’RE FREE!!!!!!!
Is Henri Veesaar a Brady Manek clone??
Same energy pic.twitter.com/mc3ySLKm3S
— Daggum Hubert (@DaggumHube) February 24, 2026
Not a good win, but a GREAT one!
Keep stacking those wins, Carolina. https://t.co/PI6JABXaQU
— Jason (@PowderBlue_J) February 24, 2026
Hockey...meet basketball!
Nice of the Carolina Hurricanes to support UNC basketball https://t.co/lAoQ4k4b4q
— Tar Heel Nation (@UNC_TarHeelFan) February 24, 2026
Henri Veesaar had a big impact on the win!
And if we woulda lost, yes it’s because Caleb didn’t play.
— Vαℓαrie ♛ (@LeeenaBellle87) February 24, 2026
But since we won, yes it’s because Henri did play. ✌🏾 pic.twitter.com/PDNAVWFMwE
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball: Social media reacts to huge victory against Louisville